If tree removal is planned on a Des Moines property, it is good practice to check with the city before getting started. Des Moines regulates tree retention and removal under Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 16.25 — Trees, and several situations require city approval first: Tree Removal in Des Moines Critical areas and shoreline buffers: Properties containing wetlands, streams, or shoreline zones fall under additional regulations, and city approval is required before trees come down. Marine bluffs and steep slopes: Tree work on bluff and sloped terrain gets a closer look from the City of Des Moines to prevent erosion and slope failure. Significant tree retention: Removal of significant trees is subject to retention review and replacement requirements under DMMC 16.25. Homeowners generally don’t have to worry about these requirements if the property does not include a designated critical area or shoreline zone. Routine maintenance, such as pruning, can be completed without concern in these cases.For questions regarding tree removal, contact Des Moines Community Development at 206-870-6566.

Des Moines Tree Service & Certified Arborists

Tree Removal Permits and Regulations in Des Moines

Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 16.25 — Trees

Des Moines regulates tree retention and removal through DMMC 16.25 and critical area regulations. Marine bluff trees and trees in shoreline zones require additional review.

An ISA Certified Arborist from Pacific Arboriculture reviews each property during the free on-site estimate and confirms whether a permit, critical area review, or written arborist report is required before any cutting starts.

Direct line for Des Moines: City of Des Moines Community Development: 206-870-6566 · Des Moines permit page

ISA Certified ArboristTCIA MemberBBB AccreditedLicensed & InsuredWashington L&I Contractor License: PACIFA*813KG

Expert Tree Care in Des Moines, WA with Local Knowledge & Certified Arborists

Pacific Arboriculture is a locally owned tree care company serving Des Moines. Crews, trucks, and equipment are dispatched locally to keep response times fast and service local. Pacific Arboriculture has been climbing, pruning, and removing trees across South King and North Pierce counties since 2019 with Des Moines as a core service area.

Des Moines sits along the shores of Puget Sound, where marine bluffs, coastal wind exposure, and mature conifers shape nearly every property from North Hill to Woodmont and Redondo. Salt air, saturated winter soils, and steep shoreline slopes all put added stress on trees in this stretch of the Sound.

That’s where Pacific Arboriculture comes in.

As Des Moines’ trusted local tree care resource, the Pacific Arboriculture team of ISA Certified Arborists, TRAQ-qualified professionals, and NCCCO-certified crane operators delivers science-backed solutions and hands-on expertise. From safe removals to long-term health management, Des Moines residents and businesses get peace of mind and healthy landscapes—season after season.

ISA Certified Arborists · Licensed, Bonded & Insured (WA LIC# PACIFA*813KG) · 5★ rated on Google · Free Estimates · 24/7 Storm Response

Ready for Expert Tree Service in Des Moines?

Whether you’re looking to remove a dangerous tree, maintain your landscape, or get a certified arborist’s assessment, Pacific Arboriculture is ready to help.

Call (206) 909‑2170 to schedule or request your free quote today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Service in Des Moines

Utility & Tree Safety Links

City Services & Outdoor Spaces

How much does tree removal cost in Des Moines?

Most Des Moines tree removals fall between $500 and $2,500 depending on tree size, access, proximity to structures or power lines, and whether stump grinding is included. Very large conifers, crane-assisted removals, or trees in tight backyards may run higher. We give every Des Moines homeowner a free written estimate and full inspection by an ISA Certified Arborist no surprises, no pressure.

Are you ISA Certified Arborists, licensed, bonded, and insured?

Yes. Pacific Arboriculture crews are led by International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists — meaning every prune, diagnosis, and removal follows recognized professional standards (ANSI A300 for pruning, ANSI Z133 for safety). Learn more about our ISA certifications.

We’re also fully licensed in Washington (LIC# PACIFA*813KG), bonded, and carrying general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. We’ll happily share our certificate of insurance on request before any work begins.

Do you offer 24-hour emergency tree service in Des Moines?

Yes — we respond to emergency tree calls in Des Moines 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. If a tree is on a structure, blocking access, or contacting power lines, call (206) 909-2170 immediately and stay clear of the area until we arrive.

What's the best time of year to prune trees in Des Moines?

Most deciduous trees prune best in late winter (January–March) when they’re dormant. Conifers can be pruned year-round, typically late summer for view work. Fruit trees do best in late winter before bud break. Hazard, structural, and emergency pruning, of course, can be done any time.

Do I Need Permits?

If tree removal is planned on a Des Moines property, it is good practice to check with the city before getting started. Des Moines regulates tree retention and removal under Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 16.25 — Trees, and several situations require city approval first:

Tree Removal in Des Moines

Critical areas and shoreline buffers: Properties containing wetlands, streams, or shoreline zones fall under additional regulations, and city approval is required before trees come down.
Marine bluffs and steep slopes: Tree work on bluff and sloped terrain gets a closer look from the City of Des Moines to prevent erosion and slope failure.
Significant tree retention: Removal of significant trees is subject to retention review and replacement requirements under DMMC 16.25.

Homeowners generally don’t have to worry about these requirements if the property does not include a designated critical area or shoreline zone. Routine maintenance, such as pruning, can be completed without concern in these cases.

For questions regarding tree removal, contact Des Moines Community Development at 206-870-6566.

Can you do tree risk or disease assessments in Des Moines?

Absolutely. Our ISA arborists perform formal tree and shrub risk assessments for Des Moines homeowners, HOAs, real-estate transactions, and property managers. You’ll get a written report with photos, a risk rating, and recommended actions. Useful for permits, insurance, and lender requirements.

Will you grind the stump after tree removal?

Yes — we bring stump grinders to most Des Moines removals and can usually grind the stump the same day, 6–12 inches below grade so you can replant, re-sod, or pour concrete on top.

Do you haul away the wood and debris?

Yes — full clean-up is included in every estimate. We chip, haul, and leave your Des Moines property cleaner than we found it. Wood chips and mulch are also available for delivery to Des Moines neighbors on request.

What ZIP codes do you serve in Des Moines?

Service covers 98198 and 98148 — including North Hill, Woodmont, Redondo, and the Marina District — plus surrounding Federal Way, Normandy Park, Burien, SeaTac, and Kent ZIPs.

How do I get a free Des Moines tree service estimate?

Call (206) 909-2170 or use our online quote form. We typically schedule Des Moines estimates within 1–3 business days — same day for emergencies. Estimates are always free, written, and no-pressure.

Why Des Moines Chooses Pacific Arboriculture

Pacific Arboriculture serves Des Moines, bringing fast scheduling, local pricing, and a team that knows the area’s streets, soils, and tree species.

Every job is staffed by ISA-certified arborists, led by (ISA) Certified Arborists, meaning every prune, diagnosis, and removal follows professional ANSI A300 standards.

Fully licensed, bonded & insured. WA contractor LIC# PACIFA*813KG. General liability and workers’ comp on every crew. Certificate of insurance available on request.

From a single trim to whole-lot clearing. Residential, commercial, HOA, and emergency — we have the chippers, cranes, and stump grinders to handle anything Des Moines throws at us.

Tree Services We Offer in Des Moines, WA

We offer comprehensive tree services in Des Moines, WA for residential, commercial, and HOA clients across Des Moines. Our team is equipped to handle everything from proactive maintenance to emergency removals.

Tree Trimming & Pruning in Des Moines

Proper pruning makes Des Moines trees stronger, safer, and longer-lived. Pacific Arboriculture follows ISA pruning standards (ANSI A300) for crown thinning, crown raising, deadwood removal, structural pruning of young trees, and view-clearance work. Big-leaf maples, ornamental Japanese maples, fruit trees, and conifers all get species-appropriate care

Tree Removal in Des Moines

Whether it's a 100-foot Douglas-fir leaning over a North Hill rooftop or a dead alder in a Woodmont backyard, Pacific Arboriculture's climbers and crane operators safely remove trees of any size. Des Moines properties often feature mature conifers on tight residential lots and marine bluffs, and tight-quarters removal is a Pacific Arboriculture specialty.

24/7 Emergency Service in Des Moines

Western Washington wind events drop trees on Des Moines homes every winter. When a tree is on your roof, across your driveway, or pulling on a power line, call (206) 909-2170 any time — day, night, weekend, or holiday. Pacific Arboriculture carries the gear and the certifications to safely cut, lift, and clear emergency trees fast

Stump Grinding in Des Moines

After a removal, the crew grinds the stump 6–12 inches below grade so homeowners can replant or re-sod. Pacific Arboriculture brings grinders to Des Moines jobs daily, so stump grinding is typically paired with the removal in one visit.

Tree Risk & Disease Assessment in Des Moines

Many Des Moines trees are stressed by hot dry summers, root compaction from construction, or pests like bronze birch borer and root-rot fungi. Pacific Arboriculture's tree health management program covers diagnosis, soil amendments, deep-root fertilization, and pest treatment.

Commercial Service in Des Moines

From single-family homes in North Hill to multi-family complexes off Pacific Highway South and properties along the Marine View Drive commercial corridor, Pacific Arboriculture works with homeowners, property managers, HOAs, and businesses across Des Moines

Learn more about our full range of services on our Tree Services page.

Trusted Across Des Moines’ Neighborhoods

We proudly serve communities across Des Moines, including:

Des Moines ZIP codes we serve every day: 98198 and 98148. We also serve adjoining communities including Federal Way, Normandy Park, Burien, SeaTac, and Kent as part of our regular Des Moines route.

Whether properties sit in North Hill (98198), Woodmont (98198), Redondo, the Marina District, or up near Saltwater State Park, our crew is typically only minutes away. Same-day estimates are common; emergency response is always 24/7.

Common Trees We Care For in Des Moines

Des Moines’ mix of established neighborhoods, marine bluff lots, and waterfront properties means we work with a wide variety of species — and each one has its own care quirks:

Douglas-fir — the signature conifer above Puget Sound. Susceptible to wind throw on saturated bluff soils; we do crown reductions and hazard removals year-round.
Western red cedar — increasingly stressed by hot, dry PNW summers. We diagnose top dieback and recommend mulching, supplemental water, or removal where needed.
Big-leaf maple — heavy, brittle limbs prone to summer-branch-drop. Structural pruning is critical to prevent failures over driveways and houses.
Black cottonwood — fast-growing, weak-wooded, and common along Des Moines Creek. Frequently a removal candidate when planted near homes.
Pacific madrone — a classic Puget Sound bluff species, sensitive to root disturbance and prone to fungal canker. Careful, minimal pruning is the rule.
Japanese maples & ornamental fruit trees — restorative and aesthetic pruning, scale and aphid treatments, and renewal pruning for older specimens.

Tree Service in Other Cities We Serve

Outside Des Moines? We also serve homeowners and businesses in: Tacoma · Federal Way · Kent · Puyallup · Maple Valley · Renton · Covington · Burien · Normandy Park · Tukwila · Bonney Lake. See our full Areas We Serve page for everywhere we cover across South King and North Pierce counties.

We had two loose leaf maples that were 35 years old and never professionally pruned. They were huge and needed shaping badly. We didn't want what we had seen others do in the neighborhood to their loose leaf maples...use a hedge trimmer and shape them like a mushroom cap. Pacific Arboriculture knew exactly what to do and how to thin and shape these beautiful trees. Their price was good and the two people who did the work were very knowledgeable about our trees and the proper way to trim them. Highly recommended if you have expensive ornamental trees that need pruning.

Chris D. 10/29/2026

Your team was thorough, knew what they were doing and clean up the job site before leaving. Would not hesitate to use Pacific again if the need arises

Dennis M. 10/29/2026

Brandon and his team did a great job. Very professional and yet fun. They worked great together. Customer service was also very professional.

Leslie H. 10/25/2026

Sam was beyond helpful with getting me scheduled and kept me updated on the schedule so I could get scheduled two weeks early! Tom and John came out and did a phenomenal job — they were fast (less than an hour and half on ground) and cleaned up everything — it didn’t even look like they came through for the tree removal! I’m blanking on who my estimator was but he was also so helpful. Professional team all around, thank you again!!

Madeleine E. 10/24/2026

The team was very professional and did the work as discussed and agreed upon. They were on-time and cleaned up the yard upon completion! Would recommend them without reservation!

George J. 10/23/2026

Mitch came out, evaluated our section of trees that had died along our property line. He thoroughly explained what was going on, we recieved a quote quickly and scheduled the work to be done. Work was done promptly, everyone was hard working and well mannered and we experienced great communications throughout the process. When the nursery delivered the wrong trees, Mitch called right away and arranged for the correct trees to be delivered within hours so no delay was experienced. I will surely call upon them again for any tree needs we may have in the future!

lisa p. 10/23/2026

I had to have an overgrown cherry tree pruned and branches removed that were touching the roof of my house. All the people involved were super nice and helpful. It was a pleasure dealing with them all and my tree is now very happy and healthy. Thank you.

Liz d. 10/22/2026

Brandon came out and gave a very comprehensive assessment of the trees in question and provided a plan to save our trees, the day of the service the guys came out and knocked everything out quickly, safely, no damage and cleaned up branches and wood chips…. Can’t be any happier

LASZLO C. 10/20/2026

Fourth time using Pacific Arboriculture over the last 5 years or so! They have been consistent in their professionalism and work ethic! The team led by Jarrod was very thorough on the quality of thier work and cleanup. Very impressive!Thank you Ryan and Jarrod for surrounding yourselves with high level employees!Will not hesitate to call you again when I need some assistance!

Ken H. 10/20/2026

their service is exceptional. They arrived on time. Completed all the work as promised, the clean up was superb, and the people were great. If you want trustworthy and competent tree service, Pacific Arboriculture is the tree company to call.

joyce a. 10/20/2026

If you need a tree removed, please contact this company the team was awesome and took care of removing the tree very quickly. They provided great service and I would recommend them to anyone.

D H. 10/19/2026

Excellent communication, knowledgeable, prompt, and courteous. The arborist was so helpful and the workers did a great job. Highly recommend. Will definitely use them again!

Mary N. 10/17/2026

We have had them come out twice to trim trees. They are very knowledgeable about trees and answered all our questions. Clean up was great.They returned to remove an apple tree and grind down the stump. Did a great job.Will be having them back soon to remove another tree.

Kristie C. 10/17/2026

Looks like the tree was never there. Thanks for all you do!

Tina D. 10/15/2026

I love this company, in part because they really love trees. But I also love their work. Our insurance company has some new requirements which meant a lot of limbs had to be trimmed back from above and alongside the house. This team did a gorgeous job. I will definitely hire them again.

Patrice O. 10/12/2026

I'm a repeat customer. Excellent turnaround on scheduling. Beautiful work on my trees and shrubs. Their thorough clean-up is top notch. Great job everyone!

Donna D. 10/08/2026

SUPER, SUPER good work. Love these guys. Highly recommend.

Sharon P. 10/07/2026

Very professional and did exactly what was outlined .

Sue S. 10/07/2026

Very impressed with this company! Professional all the way. They expertly removed a complicated cluster of trees in my backyard that had been dropping large branches onto my roof with every windstorm. They even cleaned my roof of all tree debris when they were done, saving me an extra expense. I really appreciate their skills and effort.

Michelle M. 10/06/2026

professional, on time, knowledgeable.A solid addition to our home maintenance team

Larry L. 10/06/2026

These guys were great. The owner really knows his stuff. The crew leader was experienced. They took a tree out that was close to our house without anything hitting the house. They were very efficient and left the area totally clean and clear.

Arleigh C. 10/05/2026

Couldn’t recommend Pacific Arboriculture enough. Awesome job done. Great communication and customer service. I’ve recommended them to my neighbors and friends already.

Michael B. 10/05/2026

We had a tree that has slowly been dying over the past few years. We called Pacific and Brandon came out to give us an estimate. He was great. Explained everything in detail of what exactly they would be doing. I was sent the quote almost instantly and wanted a couple of weeks to think about it. Once we were ready I called them (this week) and they were able to get the tree down two days later. The crew was there for barely two hours. We are now sleeping more peacefully knowing that tree is gone. Thanks Pacific!

Brenna K. 10/02/2026

We hired Pacific Arboriculture to help us with a huge tree that took over our entire front yard. It was a pretty complicated job because the large roots were mostly at the surface and too close to our home, walkway and driveway. Pacific Arboriculture was the first and only quote we got and Mitch was so helpful - my husband and I were so impressed that we also hired them to prune two very large trees in our backyard. Christine stayed in touch and took care of the logistics and Ashton and the rest of the team ensured additional roots were mitigated. We are very happy with the work they did, their professionalism, communication and follow through, but most of all, to have this big job done. Now we can focus on getting our yard back to HOA standards. I highly recommend Pacific Arboriculture to anyone looking for a dependable and honest local-owned business.

T H. 10/01/2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Pacific Arboriculture did a fantastic job from start to finish! Communication was great throughout the entire process, they showed up on time, and everything was handled professionally.They also went above and beyond with the stump grinding, making sure the job was done thoroughly instead of just doing the bare minimum. I really appreciated the attention to detail and the extra effort.Overall, I’m extremely happy with the work and would definitely recommend Pacific Arboriculture to anyone looking for reliable and professional tree service.

Don G. 9/28/2026

I greatly appreciated the knowledge, expertise, and efficiency of Pacific Arboriculture and the excellent work they did on the trees in my yard.

Debbie R. 9/28/2026

Quick and easy, guys did great work and were extremely safe. Very happy with the results

unix 6. 9/28/2026

They arrived promptly, did a great job and left the property spotless

Chris u. 9/19/2026

Only good things to share. Fun crew, good communications, transparent, accommodating of small requests.

Ben 9/18/2026

The crew showed up and got right to work. Less than 3 hours later we had a well trimmed tree and they left our place better than they found it. Every man was informative, professional and courteous. They worked a a great crew with a certain levels of expertise they added to the job and in the end, every one of them had a rake and shared responsibility for clean up. Great experience.

Steve R. 9/17/2026

Always ready to serve our neighborhood needs. A pleasure doing business with Pacific Arboriculture.

Elizabeth T. 9/17/2026

I recently hired Pacific Arboriculture for tree removal and stump grinding. I am very happy with the experience from start to finish.They assessed the trees and stumps on my property and provided a clear, detailed estimate with no hidden fees.On the day of the job, the crew worked efficiently and safely.When they finished, all debris was removed, and they even took extra care to rake and tidy the surrounding area.I wouldn’t hesitate to use their services again. Additionally, I hired them to plant 2 paper bark maple trees in our front and back yard. They took care of everything, including providing large, healthy trees. The responded quickly. They planted them perfectly and cleaned up afterward. I highly recommend them for and I will be using them going forward if the need arises.

Ivanme 9/15/2026

My experience was excellent. Everyone was professional and easy to talk to. They answered all my questions and the work was done promptly. I’d definitely use them again.

Matt M. 9/14/2026

Very knowledgeable, professional, and organized. Fair in their bid without any loose ends that might develop. AND completely cleaned up not leaving any mess.

Bob W. 9/12/2026

Came professional, tackled the job in a timely manner, & cleaned up after themselves. Made woodchips for us & even cut a few logs for us to use as firewood. No shenanigans, just good guys & good work. Thanks Tom & Isaac

A.O. H. 9/12/2026

We had a 60’ Madrone removed as it was dying and the team from Pacific Arboriculture was amazing! They managed to land every branch in our yard without damaging any structures, cleaned up everything (we asked to keep the wood rounds) and were so pleasant to work with. Was incredible to watch them work. Would highly recommend!!

Megan F. 9/11/2026

Professional and even came early with a heads up. Completely satisfied and have recommended them to our neighbors!

Jeff 9/08/2026

Crew was polite, reviewed work to be done with me, prepped the area, completed the work efficiently, restored area, and then checked back in to make sure everything was done correctly - it was. They even worked around irrigation line and rose bush when taking down tree. I would certainly use them again to top Arborvitaes or remove tree and grind stump.

Lanakay L. 9/04/2026

Analysis of my project was professionally planned. Work was completed per schedule with great communication. Clean up was great as well. Highly recommended.

Kelly C. 9/02/2026

They did a great job! Fast, thorough and professional. We reviewed each area where a stump was ground before they moved onto the next. Highly recommend!

Will 9/02/2026

We contracted with Pacific Arboriculture in August, 2026 to remove a ~60 ft, blue spruce that was leaning precariously toward our house, as well as some other tree and bush pruning work. The crew of five worked efficiently in a well-coordinated manner to complete everything in a little over two hours, including diligent clean-up of all the.debris. Their performance was very impressive and I would highly recommend Pacific Arboriculture without hesitation to anyone needing any tree or shrub maintenance.

Keith R. 8/30/2026

We are greatly impressed with the quality of work done by Pacific Arboriculture! Maple tree has never looked better! We will continue to have them maintain our maple trees in the future! PS: their cleanup was also amazing!

Michael F. 8/28/2026

The crew is professional, friendly and knowledgeable - they know their trees and how to treat them.

Dick L. 8/28/2026

Pacific Arboriculture did a good job, completed all of my requests and left my property in good condition. I am very satisfied with the outcome and appreciate the prompt, professional service. Thanks to the whole crew!

Nancy D. 8/26/2026

Jared and his crew did tree work for my family and I and they did an awesome job! They were prompt, efficient, and went above and beyond. Jared is very knowledgeable. And the team worked quickly and cleaned up everything very well. I would highly recommend Pacific Arboriculture to my family and friends.

Jonna N. 8/25/2026